"My heart is broken." Ed Sheeran apologizes after scandal of rapper Macklemore's removal over pro-Palestinian slogans

British singer Ed Sheeran gave his first concert after the scandal with rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the lineup of opening acts due to pro-Palestinian slogans. Sheeran stated that he made mistakes and commented on the conflict in the Middle East, writes the BBC.

"I never wanted to be an activist musician, but through this situation, I found myself in the middle of an important and acute dispute about freedom of speech and the most complex political problem on the planet," Sheeran said at the start of his concert in Philadelphia.

At the first Loop Tour concert, held in New Jersey on September 4, American rapper Macklemore, who was performing as an opening act, shouted: "Free Palestine!"

He did this while introducing his 2024 song "Hind's Hall," dedicated to the memory of a five-year-old girl who died during an Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

In this song, the musician also supported students who protested against Israel's actions at Columbia University.

At the second concert, the next day, Macklemore addressed his "Jewish brothers and sisters." "Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, disagreement with genocide — this is in no way a criticism of you personally," he said.

Israeli authorities have repeatedly rejected accusations of apartheid and organizing genocide in Gaza.

The rapper's behavior drew criticism from pro-Israel groups, including a petition demanding Macklemore's removal from future tour concerts.

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Macklemore's tour appearances were subsequently canceled, and billionaire Robert Kraft demanded that the rapper not be allowed to perform at the stadium he owns. Kraft, who belongs to the American Jewish community and supports Israel, accused the rapper of incitement to hatred. He stated that the rapper "only spreads selective information and ignores the actions of Hamas."

Continuation of the scandal: what else Sheeran said

Following this, all artists who were scheduled to open for Sheeran's concerts withdrew from further participation in the tour, expressing solidarity with the rapper.

As a result of this scandal, ticket prices were reduced, and sales for the remainder of Sheeran's US tour plummeted. Sheeran, who had previously preferred not to comment on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, explained that he tried to find a compromise in the situation with the rapper. He added that Macklemore had a contract for performances with the tour's promoter company, and it was that company that made the decision to remove him.

However, at Saturday's concert in Philadelphia, Sheeran explained his position on the war in the Middle East in more detail.

He told the audience that he was used to critical comments about his music, but "this week the criticism was about something much more important."

"I had to make difficult decisions — I make mistakes — and I am very, very sorry," the singer stated.

He also said he wanted to clarify "what my position is on the situation with Israel and Palestine and whether my concert today means I hold that position."

"Throughout my career, I've tried not to act as a political commentator, because I want my music and performances to foster unity, not division," he continued. "But this is a humanitarian issue, and I can no longer hide my feelings about it."

Sheeran called the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, "horrific and such that they exacerbated centuries of suffering for the Jewish people." But at the same time, he described the situation in the Gaza Strip as "catastrophic, unjustified, and disproportionate."

"My heart is broken by the scale of destruction and the deaths of civilians, including children. And the systemic injustice we observe in the West Bank cannot be ignored," the singer said.

He added that he is now trying to understand how he can help "the victims of this terrible time," and admitted that he doesn't know enough about the situation, so he is "listening and learning."

His concert "remains a place where everyone is welcome and where everyone can stand shoulder to shoulder with people who hold opposing views," the singer said.

Sheeran admitted that he didn't know if his tour would continue or if he even wanted to continue his career, but decided to return to the stage for his fans.

The singer also stated that he was "deeply concerned" about a situation in which concert venues might gain the right to "pre-approve" content or the lineup of performers. This drew applause from the audience. Clearly, this was a reference to Robert Kraft's position.

The remaining concerts of his tour are planned in North and South America.

Although the singer's previous tour was one of the highest-grossing in history, prices for some tickets to this concert dropped to $32.

Some fans reported that they managed to get refunds for their tickets, although Ticketmaster and concert promoter Messina Touring Group did not confirm this.

A protest by supporters of Palestine took place near the entrance to the venue in Philadelphia, but the concert proceeded peacefully.

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